No, not the Chanel, Prada, Sass & Bide, Temperley type - although I would have no problem having them in my life and they are delightfully gluten-free, I think. If the managers of any supermarket in Muscat are looking through CCTV footage wondering who on earth the nutcase is who wanders the aisles scrutinising every bottle, tin and bag (and, I'll admit, in some instances even trying to lift off the Arabic ingredients labels pasted over the English ones so I can read them), that would probably be me.
Until you've found tried-and-trusted, guaranteed gluten-free brands, your shopping expeditions will be more like extreme hunter-gatherer outings - you being the mad gatherer digging out what's good for you. And don't be surprised if you go home and show off what you found and share your "Eureka" moment as though you came across a pair of 90% off Jimmy Choos - I've done it, I still do it. There are more and more brands that are kindly making it easier and noting whether they're g-free or not, but when in doubt, here is a list of some things to avoid.
Products
Any alcohol made with wheat, barley etc. Beer being the most obvious (look out for gluten-free beers now becoming available). Whiskey also contains gluten
Baking powder - you need to find a gluten-free alternative
Cocoa powder - you need to check the brand as wheat starch may be part of the production process
Chocolate - I'm afraid so. Most have gluten added in some form, so check my list of gluten-free ones so you can still satisfy your craving
Deli dinners - most will have flour added as a thickener
Frozen dinners
Ground spices - check that nothing has been added
Hamburgers - most processed patties will have gluten
Instant coffee - check the brand. There's nothing better than freshly ground
Instant teas (ie iced teas etc)
Ice cream - I'm afraid you'll need to find a brand that is gluten-free
Ice cream cones
Marshmallows - Nestle does make some now that are g-free
Mayonnaise - Those brands that are g-free will say it on the label
Musard powder - check the manufacturer. Coleman's isn't g-free
Noodles (unless they are 100% rice noodles)
Processed seafood
Pre-made sauces, gravies etc - you need to read the label
Potato chips - yip, even these have other flours added, so look out for a brand that is 100% potato
Rice paper - check the brand
Stock cubes - there are gluten-free ones, like Kallo, available
Sweets - check the labels as many have a coating that contains gluten to prevent them from sticking together
Sausages (including salami and chorizo) - most contain wheat products as fillers
Soy sauce - a warning to you sushi lovers
Most sauces contain gluten in some form
Tomato sauce - most are not g-free as they contain malt vinegar
Tortillas - unless they are made with 100% corn flour you should avoid them
Vinegar - it is the malt vinegars you need to avoid. White wine, apple cider and balsamic vinegar are normally fine
Vitamins - you need to find a brand that is g-free
Jargon to look out for
Artificial colouring - check with the manufacturer
Artificial flavouring - check with the manufacturer
Calcium caseinate and sodium caseinate - this may contain MSG which contains gluten
Caramel colouring - this is another one that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer
Dextrin - unless it is clear that this is corn dextrin or that of another g-free starch be careful
Fillers
Gum base - unless the gum has been specified as xanthan or guar gum (both g-free), you need to be careful
Hydrolyzed oat starch
Hydrolyzed wheat starch
Hydrolyzed plant protein (HPP) - you need to check with the manufacturer
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) - same as above
Malt - if this word pops up anywhere (malt extract, malt flavouring, malt syrup etc) stay away
Modified food starch - unless it is clear that it is corn or another gluten-free starch, be careful
MSG
Rice malt
Rice malt syrup
Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
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